Mercer County High School senior Doug Garrison, in welding mask, checked his performance after completing a simulated MIG (metal inert gas) weld on a virtual welding machine during the 2012 Central Kentucky Welding Classic. Garrison says he prefers stick welding to MIG but was trying to beat the score of his friend Brandon Hartman, right. Garrison and his teammates had finished their portion of the competition Thursday and were trying out the virtual machine during Friday's competition. Photo by Jonathan Palmer Lexington Herald-Leader

Monroe County High School senior John Ryan Taylor stick-welded on a metal box as part of the Central Kentucky Welding Classic. Photo by Jonathan Palmer Lexington Herald-Leader

Monroe County High School senior John Ryan Taylor inspected a stick weld in a box he made for the Welding Classic. Photo by Jonathan Palmer Lexington Herald-Leader

Lydia Ashley, a senior at Breckenridge County High School, used an oxyacetylene torch to make a 45-degree cut on a box made for the competition. Photo by Jonathan Palmer Lexington Herald-Leader

The 2012 Central Kentucky Welding Classic was held Friday at the Harrodsburg Area Technology Center in Mercer County. Students from around the state competed for scholarships. Photo by Jonathan Palmer Lexington Herald-Leader